US Open: Benoit Paire causes a scandal with a listless appearance
Benoit Paire caused another scandal at the US Open 2022. In the first round match against Cameron Norrie , the Frenchman caused a stir not only once.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Aug 31, 2022, 02:04 pm
Benoit Paire and tennis - somehow this relationship doesn't seem to be working properly in the past few months. With spitting attacks, listless performances and abstruse social media postings, the Frenchman had repeatedly written negative headlines, at this year's US Open Paire caused the next scandal.
In his first round match against Cameron Norrie, the 33-year-old packed his bag before the last game with a score of 0: 6, 6: 7 (1) and 0: 5, which also left expert Naomi Broady on “BBC 5 Radio” puzzled: "He packs his racquets and a towel and gives his sweaty shirt to a spectator. That's a shirt I wouldn't want. Does he know the game is still on?"
Paire loses interest in the game
Paire had previously shown little interest in a serious fight, set one went to Norrie after just 18 minutes. At the latest when the Frenchman received a warning for "coaching" in the second round after a heated discussion with his coach, he completely lost interest in the game. The world number 173. after a war of words with the referee, offended, sat down in the shadows behind the baseline.
Section three then lasted only 19 minutes, in between Paire served a serve from below into the net. In the end, the 33-year-old had 13 winners and 57 unforced errors. After the end of the match, he mourned the lost second set in particular: "I should have won it. That would have done me good in my head. But my demons are back."
Paire collects $80,000
Paire will probably find comfort in a look at the prize money received. Despite the initial defeat, the Frenchman can look forward to 80,000 US dollars. It remains to be seen whether the former world number 18. in view of his listless appearance, fear consequences and have to give up part of the money.
After losing to Norrie, he left it open whether Paire will return to the tour this year: "I'm not sure if I should continue this season. Maybe I'll stop here and see if I can start again next year ."
Here is the individual tableau at the US Open
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